IRRIGATED SOILS OF THE MIDDLE ZARAFSHAN OASIS AND THEIR IMPORTANCE IN AGRICULTURE
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Abstract
The Middle Zarafshan oasis (central Uzbekistan) supports intensive irrigated agriculture in an arid climate. This paper synthesizes field observations, regional monitoring results, and literature-based evidence to evaluate the physical, chemical and biological properties of irrigated soils in the Middle Zarafshan, their current state, and their significance for crop production and regional food security. Key issues examined include salinization dynamics, organic matter status, soil structure and compaction, nutrient availability, and soil biological activity. We show that properly managed irrigated soils in the Middle Zarafshan can sustain high yields of cotton, wheat and horticultural crops, but widespread problems—particularly secondary salinization, declining organic carbon and poor drainage—threaten long-term productivity. The paper concludes with pragmatic recommendations for soil and water management, organic matter restoration, crop diversification and monitoring strategies to maintain soil functionality and agricultural resilience in the oasis.
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FAO. 2015–2023. Guidance on Salinity Management in Irrigated Agriculture. FAO Land and Water Division.
Qadir, M., Quillérou, E., Nangia, V., et al. (2014). Economics of salt-affected soils: A brief review. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment.
R. Lal. (2020). Soil health and sustainable productivity in irrigated systems. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation.
Local monitoring reports (Regional Agrochemical Laboratories, Samarkand and Jizzakh, 2020–2024).
World Bank. (2017). Uzbekistan: Sustainable irrigation and drainage improvements — technical reports.